We are an Affirming church

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Elisabeth Lyons
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Sept. 2015 c. Core Values: Hospitality, Spiritual Growth, Inclusiveness, and Reaching Out This page- Spirituality and us Page 2- A Message from Rev.

Page 4- Pastoral Care Page 5- Spiritual Growth events Pride Parade Page 6- Financial Update Page 7- Thrift Shop Page 8- Sewing group Bazaar Page 9- Music by Nell Page 10- Cakes - Goodbye & Hello

We often pick books that I wouldn't normally be able to finish and the group support urges me to stick with it, to find the discipline to continue, where I might otherwise quit.

1 Sept c. Core Values: Hospitality, Spiritual Growth, Inclusiveness, and Reaching Out This page- Spirituality and us Page 2- A Message from Rev. Cheryl Black Page 3- Community -Cameo Club -4 th Friday Supper -Let s do lunch A B C -Did You Know? Page 4- Pastoral Care Page 5- Spiritual Growth events Pride Parade Page 6- Financial Update Page 7- Thrift Shop Page 8- Sewing group Bazaar Page 9- Music by Nell Page 10- Cakes - Goodbye & Hello Contact us Spirituality and us We are an Affirming church The Spirituality of Reading By Maureen Koch* For me, Bookworms has become a sort of spiritual practice. We often pick books that I wouldn't normally be able to finish and the group support urges me to stick with it, to find the discipline to continue, where I might otherwise quit. When I read, I try to eliminate distractions and create a sacred space, so I can focus my attention. I need to call on the practice of patience, because I often don't "get" what the author is trying to say. I trust it will come in time. I underline, insert exclamation points, question marks and other marginalia in my copy; in short, have a sort of quiet conversation with the author. Eventually, I notice that the book is speaking directly back to me, to my heart. When the Bookworm members come together with our collective questions, frustrations and eureka moments, I think of the film Shadowlands, where the character says, "We read to know that we are not alone." That feels like spiritual practice to me. *Maureen puts it so well for all of the Bookworm members!

2 A Word from Rev. Cheryl Black St. Paul said: In all things give thanks. I find myself doing that many times a day. I'm coming to join you in ministry at St. Aidan's - Yes! I'm going to discern with you what God wants us to do and to be both locally and globally - Yes! I'm so looking forward to joining you on this discovery journey which will soon become 'ours'. The MPS committee who interviewed me said that you as a congregation have already discerned the need for some change in the midst of the many things you celebrate. I'm eager to hear your stories of what is working and what is not working, to listen to your stories of your past ministry - both the stories of your greatness and your brokenness. I want to hear your dreams for your own spiritual wholeness and your fears that trip you up. In the first few months I want to get to know you, both personally and communally and let you get to know me. We'll visit each other in a variety of ways and places. We'll get a glimpse of who we are as disciples and a shared understanding of the context into which we are ministering. We've already begun to experiment with one change - the Sunday morning children's ministry and the youth ministry will be part of my job description. I'll supervise three U. Vic students in leading the children's ministry and I'll be in close contact with Wendy, who will continue to lead the youth group. I'm looking forward to understanding how you worship and how we will together shape our worship life. There is so much that I am looking forward to, but I'm also trying to have a holiday and a sabbath break after having left Highlands and before joining you. Cheryl s leadership style is visionary, pragmatic and systematic. She is committed to social issues and learning that is of practical help to people to live meaningful lives. Her worship style is inclusive, joyful and compassionate.

THE SPIRITUALITY OF COMMUNITY CAMEO CLUB all adults welcome on the 2 nd Saturday evening each

Contact: Roger Hannaford 250 721-5696 A-Z - Alphabet Lunch* on Sunday, October 18th following

It's a chance to share food and fellowship, as well as get an update from Council.

veggie tray, fruit plate or cookies/squares. Stay tuned!

3 THE SPIRITUALITY OF COMMUNITY CAMEO CLUB all adults welcome on the 2 nd Saturday evening each month. Contact: Roger Hannaford A-Z - Alphabet Lunch* on Sunday, October 18th following worship in the lower hall. Details to follow, but please mark the date in your calendar. It's a chance to share food and fellowship, as well as get an update from Council. *The first letter of your last name will determine what you will bring to the lunch - sandwiches, veggie tray, fruit plate or cookies/squares. Stay tuned! 4 TH FRIDAY Suppers Singles, Doubles, Oldtimers, Newcomers meet at a restaurant or have a pot-luck supper. Watch for sign-up sheet. Contact: Janis Evans DID YOU KNOW? The new Moderator of the United Church is Rev. Jordan Cantwell from Saskatchewan.

Perhaps it s because retired folk are still VERY involved and busy in such a wide variety of activities and responsibilities.

4 Pastoral Care Team News By Helen Pinel The Spirituality of Caring Oh, those lazy, hazy days of summer are now just wonderful memories! Have you ever wondered why retired people still call it vacation time? To those of us who are now retired, it seems to make perfect sense! Perhaps it s because retired folk are still VERY involved and busy in such a wide variety of activities and responsibilities. *** And how fortunate we are that this continues to happen *** So to all of you who, though retired, still volunteer your amazing skills, experience, wisdom & time - A BIG THANK YOU for all that you offer! And now it s time to look forward to the exciting weeks ahead this fall As a church family, we ve all been saddened by several deaths of long-time St Aidan s folks over these past few months. And many of you (beyond just our Pastoral Care Team members) have reached out to our grieving families in so many personal and meaningful ways. Thank you all, for your wonderful warm, supportive love and caring! Watch for more information in the coming weeks On November 24 th, we ll be hosting a Workshop about Powers of Attorney - Representation Agreements - Wills some of those thorny legal issues that many of us don t want to talk about. Perhaps they re a bit confusing, or even difficult to discuss with our families. With a special Guest Speaker, we ll try to make this task a bit easier. And because it will be in a safe peer environment, everyone should feel comfortable to ask questions and share ideas. Healing Pathway treatments are available by appointment on Monday s (morning), and Friday s (morning or afternoon). There s no cost for this treatment. To make an appointment, please call Elizabeth Thornburn-Korolus ( )

Spiritual Growth Events Bookworms In September we will be reading Christianity After Religion by Diana Butler-Bass If you would like to join us

Pride Parade DVD & Discussion: -Living the Questions The Jesus Fatwa Love your (Muslim) Neighbour as Yourself Saturday night movies: 4 th

28 ABOUT TIME DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENHANCE SPIRITUALITY?

5 Spiritual Growth Events Bookworms In September we will be reading Christianity After Religion by Diana Butler-Bass If you would like to join us for any of the discussions of this book call Janis Epiphany Exploration Film Fest DVDs of some of our favourite speakers see below Pride Parade DVD & Discussion: -Living the Questions The Jesus Fatwa Love your (Muslim) Neighbour as Yourself Saturday night movies: 4 th Saturdays Sept. 26 OCTOBER SKY Oct. 24 TRUMAN SHOW Nov. 28 ABOUT TIME DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA FOR A SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE THAT WOULD ENHANCE SPIRITUALITY? IF SO, CALL MAUREEN KOCH, ANDREA HUBBARD, JANIS EVANS, OR JACK DAYTON Epiphany film fest: (DVD presentations) Monday, Sept. 21 David Felton Dangerous Transparency How Honesty is Destroying Christianity and Deepening Faith September 28 Gary Patterson, former United Church Moderator October 5 TBA

Financial update Colin Booth, Treasurer Those of us who have owned a home know that sooner or later major repairs will be needed. Our home - St.

Most significantly, the tar and gravel roof over the community services section of the building (the newer half of the building) needed to be replaced.

(About a year ago we were anticipating this work would cost about $75,000 - $80,000.) Secondly, the balcony railing on the East side of the building needed to be replaced.

Our annual operating budget does not provide for these types of major repairs. Rather, we have had to draw upon our reserve funds.

6 Financial update Colin Booth, Treasurer Those of us who have owned a home know that sooner or later major repairs will be needed. Our home - St. Aidan s United Church has had to deal with two major repairs so far in Most significantly, the tar and gravel roof over the community services section of the building (the newer half of the building) needed to be replaced. We had anticipated the need to replace this section of roof a few years ago, but we were very surprised that the final tally for this project was a little over $148,000. (About a year ago we were anticipating this work would cost about $75,000 - $80,000.) Secondly, the balcony railing on the East side of the building needed to be replaced. The original wooden railing and fascia boards had significant wood rot and the vinyl deck covering was failing. This project cost a little over $17,000. Our annual operating budget does not provide for these types of major repairs. Rather, we have had to draw upon our reserve funds. Without the generous bequest we received a few years ago from the late Kay Ormiston we could have been in a dire financial situation. For reasons which I can only speculate on our offerings so far this year are below budget expectations and also a bit below 2014 levels. However, income from the Thrift Shop and rentals are on track to meet budget expectations. Looking ahead in the next few months Council will be making some decisions on how to implement the staffing model recommended by the MPS team and approved at the AGM. Pending these decisions I will have to polish up the crystal ball to see what the future holds for our financial well being. With guidance from our new minister, The Rev. Cheryl Black, I am anticipating a fresh approach to stewardship in the months ahead.

The Friendly Octopus by Sylvia Campbell Our thrift shop has been blessed with many gifts and precious people. We recently lost our beloved Mavis Wilson. She had been with us for 18 years.

This tradition was started by Marjorie Sheldrake who actually included this in her will! Next, we had a large donation from the brother of Mavis, Jack Bennett.

Life lessons learned in the Thrift Shop.. - Try to remember a. names of everyone b.

for any help you get - Don t dump things on other people s work space - Smile when they dump it in your s (it s ok to roll your eyes) - Remember what colour your companions like to wear - Enjoy the

7 The Friendly Octopus by Sylvia Campbell Our thrift shop has been blessed with many gifts and precious people. We recently lost our beloved Mavis Wilson. She had been with us for 18 years. Before Mavis passed away, she left us a sum of money so that we could keep up a tradition of taking all the volunteers out once a year for a celebratory luncheon at a restaurant. This tradition was started by Marjorie Sheldrake who actually included this in her will! Next, we had a large donation from the brother of Mavis, Jack Bennett. In light of all of this, the thrift shop volunteers decided to call the fund, the Sheldrake-Bennett-Wilson Fund. In this way everyone felt that the memory of these people would be kept in perpetuity. Life lessons learned in the Thrift Shop.. - Try to remember a. names of everyone b. which hanger to use for what - Share your space - Eat together - Share your stories - Listen (really listen) to the concerns of your companions - Fashion is in the eye of the beholder - Be grateful for any help you get - Don t dump things on other people s work space - Smile when they dump it in your s (it s ok to roll your eyes) - Remember what colour your companions like to wear - Enjoy the laughter coming from another corner even if you have no idea what the joke is - Be aware of people who just need company - Bring cookies - Don t hog the a. tape b. tag guns c. markers d. scissors - Remember to pay for your stuff - Say thank-you even when someone brings you broken, torn, soiled donations - Recycle whatever you can - Never say that s the ugliest thing I ve ever seen! out loud - Never admit if it s your own donation - Always admit your mistakes - unless it was you who used the wrong hanger! - Go quickly when your leader calls for a meeting - Pray together - whether you believe in it or not JOIN THE FUN at T.S.!

Sewing! St.Aidan's has an active sewing group who meet every 3 or 4 months to share ideas, fabrics, patterns and we enjoy a "show and tell" time, punctuated by refreshments!

All in all, our group thrives on learning new methods and sharing innovative techniques. If you feel you would enjoy this, please call Sylvia-250-658-2402. Only a few more weeks until bazaar 2015.

8 Sewing! St.Aidan's has an active sewing group who meet every 3 or 4 months to share ideas, fabrics, patterns and we enjoy a "show and tell" time, punctuated by refreshments! If you are interested in joining us, we can always use another person. We distribute fabrics, teach each other, and help solve some challenges. All in all, our group thrives on learning new methods and sharing innovative techniques. If you feel you would enjoy this, please call Sylvia Only a few more weeks until bazaar Please spread the word and help to make this bazaar a successful event. Our motto for the bazaar is fundraising, fellowship and fun. November 7, 2015 we will welcome the community into our church. We need everyone s help to make this huge event happen. Many of you have already been busy helping prepare items for sale. There are still many opportunities to be part of get ready fun. Peg will have more jewellery gatherings, June will be sorting books, Mary Jane needs toy cleaners, Noreen and Ann need vintage sorters, and of course Diane is hoping everyone will bake something for her stall. October 8 and 22 we will be making pies in the lower kitchen and we need many hands. October 15 Judy has a handbag cleaning scheduled and everyone is welcome and needed for that job. Spreading the word about the bazaar is a much needed job so please distribute our flyers, put us on your Facebook, all of your friends, etc. The bazaar this year will be from 10-3 with a come and go lunch being served from11-2. Any questions call Marilyn

Music is an important part of St. Aidan s worship and community life. St. Aidan s has had a rich music tradition from its very beginnings. And, here we are, September 2015, fall already!

Why don t you consider adding your voice to one of St. Aidan s choirs? We need you!

9 Music is an important part of St. Aidan s worship and community life. St. Aidan s has had a rich music tradition from its very beginnings. And, here we are, September 2015, fall already! Our Music Director is Nell Howard. She oversees music, music planning, our instrumentalist program and our choral scholar program. Choirs will be starting up Labor Day Week! Why don t you consider adding your voice to one of St. Aidan s choirs? We need you! Here is a list of our choirs: Jubilate Choir a men and women s choir rehearsing Thursdays 5:15 to 6:30 pm (an earlier finish than in past years means you still have a free evening!) Director, Nell Howard. Mirabile Choir a women s voices choir meeting Thursdays 3:45 5:00 pm (we visit in the first 15 minutes before we sing!) Director, Nell Howard Joyful Sounds Kid s Choir just starting up again, including children from reading age and up. Rehearsal times TBA. Ted Boulden Singers mixed men s and women s voices choir led by Kelly Orr. Choir meets in the Chapel, Thursdays 6:30 8:00 pm. Remember: OUR CHOIRS NEED YOU! We particularly need singers in the harmony parts. There is a place for YOU in Music at St. Aidan s! Thanks, St. Aidan s for supporting us!

CONTACT US St Aidan s United Church 3703 St. Aidan s St.

Sunday, August 30 concluded the time with our transitional minister, the Rev.

Thank-you Greg! staidansunited Well at least we had chocolate!

10 CONTACT US St Aidan s United Church 3703 St. Aidan s St. Victoria, BC V8P 2V office@staidansunited.com Saying Good-by to Greg. Sunday, August 30 concluded the time with our transitional minister, the Rev. Greg Darjes. To quote Sylvia We will all miss his thoughtful and meaningful sermons. Thank-you Greg! staidansunited Well at least we had chocolate! After church there was a farewell cake in Greg s honour. Minister Rev. Cheryl Black Office Wynne MacAlpine Rentals - Anne MacDermott NEWSLETTER CO-EDITORS Sylvia Campbell Janis Evans The Good News! Next Sunday, Sept. 6, there will be more cake. This time to welcome the Rev. Cheryl Black.

St. Aidan s points to ponder..

St. Aidan s points to ponder.. Reaching Out March 17 St. Aidan s United Church, Victoria, B.C. Core Values: Hospitality, Spiritual Growth, Inclusiveness, and Reaching Out Our Mission: Life-changing ministry through Jesus Christ This